What makes people sure they are convinced of some kind of information/knowledge?

Question

I'm not sure how to ask this or where it shoud be categorized (maybe religion and spirtuality?).

We've all seen how people of different religous faiths seem VERY convinced that their belief is true. But they must know (at least on some level) that they COULD be wrong.

I see this also in believers of astrology, alien abduction, psychics and so on. They all must be aware that most people do not believe in the things that they do, and they must be aware that science does not confirm what they believe.

So how do they go on saying with so much certianty that their version of reality is the correct one?

I mean, as a scientist, I don't think I would ever go aroud asserting anything as the absolute truth, and I always add qualifications such as "this is my current understanding."

I don't have a background in psychology so I'm wondering what people think.

Thanks

Answer 1

see that's the thing with beliefs. Some people have very strong beliefs, and if you do not agree with them, then they assume you are wrong. I have seen it many times in Christians and Atheists alike. They believe their version is the only one with any truth to it. Also, people tend to find information to back their beliefs. A devout Christian will quote the Bible, and other sources. An Atheist may use articles, scientific studies, etc. No matter what you believe, there is something out there that provides some sort of proof. It only requires looking for it. I am a very open-minded individual and usually see valid points on both sides of the argument, whatever the topic may be. People with my attitude are the ones that normally can come to an un-biased opinion on any given topic. Sucks though once people figure it out, because then you're always being asked your opinion and jury duty comes as often as they can get you in...lol. You are never going to change someones mind that is avidly supporting any idea, because they believe it to be true. Belief is a very strong string to try and cut.

Answer 2

Most of the people you're referrring to, whether the belief system is astrology, psychic forces, witchcraft or religion, have a deep vested interest in believing. Whether the vested interest is due to fear of death and a wish for an afterlife, or simply due to a need to understand the unknowable, or to shore up their own self-image, the need is strong and undeniable and common amongst the human species. Is it so surprising then that they would ignore logic, rationality, facts, evidence, etc. in exchange for the gratification they get from believing in 'higher powers'?

People hear, see and believe what they want/need to. We have always been that way. It will be a long time before we are sophisticated enough as a species to overcome those primal needs.

Answer 3

One of the more interesting questions I've seen in a while.

I've only thought about this for a few moments, but my feeling is it's the nature of "doubt" which underpins this.

Most religions teach that "doubt" (as regards the deity) is a very bad thing, to the point of being downright evil (and punishable by an eternity in hell). On the other hand, scientists seize on doubt as a very useful tool.

So even those who are very devout, yet know as you say that on some level they could be wrong, are very strongly encouraged to push that doubt to one side, whereas a scientist who believes (s)he is wrong about some theory will tend to be open about it and investigate.

We ALL have beliefs at some level. I'm a fervent atheist but I believe that if I stand bare-footed on a piece of lego it will hurt. I've no idea whether standing on THIS particular piece of lego NOW will hurt (until I actually do it), but I BELIEVE it will, based on the mental model I've built up of the way things are. I could question this belief but on an everyday basis I don't. Many are the same about their god.

I'd say that our brains are evolutinarily hard-wired for belief systems (whether at the lego or god level), and moreover once a belief system is in place then (evolutionarily again) it's very difficult to shift, especially in adulthood.

But thanks again for an interesting question!

Answer 4

For those who are ready, no explanation is necessary and for those who are not, no explanation is possible! http://www.psychic-junkie.com